Making Drinks with Kit Williamson

Kit Williamson, Zooey Magazine Kit Williamson initially wanted to be a video game character, then a video game designer. It wasn't until he was nine, when he realized he wanted to tell stories. The now 28-year-old actor and UCLA-graduate is now busy with his webseries entitled "Eastsiders," and making us the best afternoon drink possible.

What is a day in the life like for Kit Williamson?

I wake up and have coffee with my boyfriend John and my cat Albee. Well, John and I have coffee and Albee watches in silent judgment of my caffeine addiction. If I'm not auditioning for or shooting something I usually head into my production company's office around 10am. Lately I've been so busy with the Kickstarter for season two that I have had the exact same Starbucks kale salad for lunch every day for a month. In a perfect world I get some writing done in the afternoon, but it usually happens around midnight. After the office I try to make it to the gym, but usually end up on the couch with a bottle of wine, my boyfriend and more judgment from the cat.

Kit Williamson, Zooey Magazine

kitwilliamson-138

How did you get started with "Eastsiders?" Tell us a bit why you created the series, and what your goals are for it!

My goals were pretty simple - I wanted to play a gay character, because I had only ever played straight characters in the past. I was really frustrated by how flat and one-dimensional gay characters usually are on TV and I wanted to write gay characters that were every bit as fucked up and flawed as their straight counterparts. Lastly, I'd been a part of a lot of micro budget projects that never saw the light of day and I really wanted to see something from start to finish. It's really challenging when you're working on a limited budget, but I really believe in seeing things through - so much of making the damn thing is just making the damn thing!

Well, that sounds like one heck of a plan - and a great one. So today, you made us one heck of a drink (recipe below). How did you become interested in mixology?

I've always been a drinker, but I got into mixology to make a living while I was putting myself through grad school at UCLA. For two years, I worked as a server and bartender at Mohawk Bend in Echo Park. They have 72 California craft beers on tap and a scratch bar with some pretty amazing cocktails on the menu. I really appreciated how much care and detail went into making each drink, although I will say that sometimes it was a hellscape working the service well because of how many different ingredients you had to muddle. I still enjoy making drinks for my friends and family.

Kit Williamson, Zooey Magazine

Kit Williamson, Zooey Magazine

Bourbon Sour Ingredients Ice 2 ounces bourbon 1 large egg white 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice 3/4 ounce Rich Simple Syrup 1 dash angostura bitters

Instructions Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add bourbon, egg white, lemon juice, and rich simple syrup and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds. Pour into a cocktail glass, top with bitters, and serve.

What is your favorite drink to make?

I like making things up on the fly with infusions. It's really easy to add another ingredient to your simple syrup, for example. I also like to infuse my own vodka in mason jars. One year I made White Russians with pumpkin spice infused vodka for a Halloween party. I've never been so hungover.

What’s your favorite drink...to mix or drink?

A little bit of both is definitely best! One for you, one for me!

Any tips for making the best drinks?

Make something you enjoy - that's all that matters! Sometimes I just want a shot of whiskey and a PBR. Other than that, I'd say measure everything. I know jiggers aren't sexy but it's better. Trust me.

Kit Williamson, Zooey Magazine

Kit Williamson, Zooey Magazine

Contributing Editor: Jennifer Funt Photographs // Megan Welker Grooming // Chechen Joson Styling // Franzy Staedter